How to Enjoy the Maldives as a First-Time Visitor

Ranked among the world's finest beach holiday destinations, the Maldives is on every traveller's bucket list due to its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Considered one of the safest and most family-friendly vacation hubs in Asia, first-timers will find that the paradise archipelago is also a dream come true for water sports lovers. From dining like a local to exploring the capital city, here are some tips on how to make your first trip to the Maldives a memorable experience.

Don’t Cut Corners

As a luxury holiday hotspot, the Maldives can be a costly travel destination for those on a budget. Having said that, staying at a Maldives private island resort is a crucial experience for all those who head to this side of paradise, so it is necessary to splurge on a posh resort. Staying at an overwater villa at the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives or any other local accommodation provider is a crucial part of a getaway in the Maldives that no one should miss. This is why it is important to splurge on a luxury rest, even if it's for a night or two, during your time in the Maldives.

Dine like a Local

While it is easier to stick to continental fare and opt out of local dishes when dining out in the Maldives, it is a poor strategy for immersing yourself in the local culture. With seafood featured in nearly every local dish, Maldivian cuisine is criminally underrated. Some of the best local treats to savour during a holiday in the paradise isles include the Garudhiya fish broth while Mas Huni and sago pudding are equally delicious. The Maldives street food scene is also incredible and those who venture down to the Maldivian capital Male can wine and dine on Hedhikaa and fried yams to their heart's content.

Don't Expect Alcohol

As an Islamic nation, alcohol is only available in resorts and choice restaurants in the Maldives. This means tourists should explore the wide variety of tropical mocktails on offer instead. Travellers who embark on liveaboard boat tours, however, can enjoy a cocktail or two, provided that they can pay the hefty price tag.

Day Trip to Male

A day tour of the Maldivian capital ought to be a part of every travel itinerary. While most tourists give it a miss in favour of the beach laden islands around its periphery, the bustling capital is a vibrant cultural hub like no other. Tourists can shop till they drop in Chaandhanee Magu and stylish boutiques in Male in addition to touring the National Museum and the Grand Friday Mosque. Picnicking at Sultan Park or Republic Square is another great way to watch resident Maldivians go about their day. First-timers should wear conservative clothing when touring Male as heritage sites such as the Grand Friday Mosque require modest attire that covers the knees and shoulders. Public displays of affection should also be kept to a minimum when navigating spaces outside your resort base as it is frowned upon by Maldivians.

Sign up for Water Sports

The Maldives is a leading water sports destination in Asia, and a trip to Maldives would be incomplete without enjoying some of the water bound activities available in the country. Scuba diving and snorkelling are ideal for first-time visitors with a passion for exploring marine species and coral reefs while signing up for a whale-watching safari is also essential. Water skiing, surfing and kayaking are other fun and engaging ways to spend time in the Maldives where sunset cruises and catamaran excursions are also on offer through private tour operators.

Wear Sunscreen

Make sure the sunscreen you wear is reef-friendly as certain chemicals used to produce sun block are harmful to certain fish species and corals. Do not venture outside without wearing sunscreen when holidaying in the islands as sunburn is a very real possibility.